text:
The growth at Lindenwood University doesn't appear to be slowing down.
Two new residence halls, at a cost of more than $5 million apiece, are currently under construction and will be occupied in the fall. Each will have 180 beds.
Housing director Michelle Giesseman said the two new residence halls will be predominantly for freshmen and sophomores and will go "on a first-come, first-served basis. It's important to make a housing commitment early if someone wants a spot," she said.
By this fall, all traditional residence halls will have state-of-the-art communications technology for students, including internet access, a new phone system with voice mail and cable TV access, said President Dennis Spellmann. That same technology bundle, Spellmann said, will be spread throughout the campus to most existing facilities in a multimillion-dollar upgrade.
"It's an exciting project," Spellmann said. "I think our students will be pleased. But that's only one part of the improvements we will see in the fall."
Lindenwood plans a major facelift of Cobbs Hall, a 120-bed men's residence hall. Cobbs, built in 1950, will get a new front entrance, opening toward the two new residence halls and the new campus center. In addition, the lounge will be renovated and Cobbs will get a new roof to make the hall's architecture more consistent with the rest of the campus.
Spellmann said the annual increases in student population cut across all age groups. He said Lindenwood is planning for additional housing opportunities for married students and single-parent families.


text:
Raid Mode is an action-oriented minigame featured in Resident Evil: Revelations. One or two players may fight their way through a selection of maps taken from the single player campaign that have been updated with new enemy layouts.
Raid Mode is played by first selecting a character, setting up your equipment, and then entering a stage. The goal of each stage is to locate the BSAA emblem at the end and use the melee prompt on it. After completing a stage, the player receives a rank, bonuses if they fulfilled any requirements, their spoils, BP, and EXP.
In the 3DS version, dying or quitting in the middle of a stage results in no earnings what so ever, but you will not have lost you supplies used. In the port version, dying or choosing to the retire option (quit) in the middle of stage results no rank or awards, but receive a very small amount of BP, EXP, picked up spoils, and used supplies are not consumed.
Control wise, the game is played the same way Campaign is, however the Genesis scanner is not usable at all and a set of voice commands have been added. There are a few key interface changes. Enemies now have health bars over their heads allowing players to make strategic choices of either keep firing or stopping to reload. The amount of damage you do is also now displayed letting you see if your weapon is effective or not. Players will sometimes earn items upon defeating enemies instead of having to pick up everything. You will only find ammo for the weapon types you currently have equipped i.e. not having a magnum as one of your three weapons means you will not find any magnum ammo.
Most notably, the game can be played cooperatively with one other partner. Your partner's health bar will be displayed above their head.
Voice commands
A set of communication commands are now usable. On the 3DS version, this is done by holding up on the control pad and then pressing one of the face buttons. On the ports, it is done by holding down what would normally be the Genesis button then using the face buttons. Each character has a unique set of voice clips and their own phrasing for each command.
|Thank you
|Come on
|3DS / WiiU
Stages will be cleared when the player reaches the end and melee attacks the gold BSAA emblem. Using a fully charged melee attack awards the player with a herb. At the end of each round, players will be awarded a rank, bonuses if the player has fulfilled their requirements, BP, EXP, and be shown what items they have picked up. Up to ten of each kind of drop can be found which include weapons, custom parts, and illegal custom parts.
The player's rank, amount of BP and EXP earned is based on their performance. Performance is based on the following areas; and in the 3DS version each category will have a letter grade next to them:
- Accuracy
- Enemies (Number killed)
- Damage (How much damage the player received, lower number is better)
- Clear Time
The follow bonuses can also be earned for extra BP or a legendary custom part on abyess stages in the port version.
The updated port will show which bonuses have been earned on each stage. Also in the port version, you will be given the option to sell your spoils for BP if you wish not to keep them.
Earning and getting certain ranks and bonuses and will unlock some content as well a few different Awards.
There are 20 stages and one bonus level. The regular stages are playable on three different difficulty settings.
The difficulty levels are named:
- Chasm (Easy)
- Trench (Normal)
- Abyss (Hard)
Sets of stages on Chasm are unlocked by completed Missions/Awards associated with progressing through Campaign Mode and all stages in other difficulty levels are unlocked by beating the previous one. In the port version stages 1 – 3 are available from the start.
|Chapter 1
|Clear Episodes 1-3
|Raid Mode stages 1-7
|Chapter 2
|Clear Episodes 4-6
|Raid Mode stages 8-12
|Chapter 3
|Clear Episodes 7-9
|Raid Mode stages 13-17
|Final Chapter
|Clear Episodes 10-12
|Raid Mode stages 18-20 & the Bonus stage
|CHASM Cleared
|Clear all stages on Chasm difficulty
|Raid Mode TRENCH difficulty
|TRENCH Cleared
|Clear all stages on Trench difficulty
|Raid Mode ABYSS difficulty
|Clear Episodes 1 - 3
|Raid Mode stages 4–7
|Clear Episodes 4 - 6
|Raid Mode stages 8–12
|Clear Episodes 7 - 9
|Raid Mode stages 13–17
|Clear Episodes 10-12
|Raid Mode stages 18–20 & the Bonus stage
|Clear all stages on Chasm difficulty
|Raid Mode TRENCH difficulty
|Clear all stages on Trench difficulty
|Raid Mode ABYSS difficulty
When new difficulties are unlocked, only the first stage is given and each following stages is unlocked by completing the newest one.
The 21st/Bonus level is the Ghost Ship, which tricks the player by displaying the end-of-level medal at several points during the stage. The trick in this level though is to fight your way through the entire ship. Ammo pick-ups rarely occur in this stage. So, it is highly recommended that you are leveled up at the maximum level of 50, and that you should bring Lvl. 47-50 weapons with you.
As with Campaign, there are also Missions for Raid Mode, which give awards such as new costumes for completing specific tasks. This can range from simply reaching Raid Level 10 to collecting all of the Super Rare weapons, or S-ranking all stages on a specific difficulty level. Further missions can be acquired via the StreetPass feature of the 3DS system, and the reward for completing these is usually a large amount of BP.
For a list of missions see here.
Player Level
You will start Raid Mode at Player level 1 and earn experience and level ups simply by completing stages. The higher your level, the higher your weapon damage and defense will be. Player level will also determine which weapons can be used; in order to equip the desired weapon, your level must be equal to or greater than the weapon level. Meaning you can not use a weapon of a higher level until you reach that level.
Player levels can also be temporarily lowered on the character menu. The lower levels are displayed online when you join or host a game.
Raid Mode features many characters and costumes which are unavailable in the single player portion of Revelations. In the 3DS version, each character has a set of abilities while in the port version, each costume for each character has a different set of abilities. Every character also has their own unique melee attack. Using any character will gradually increase Player Level, however different characters will level at different rates.
Most characters share the same knife slashing attack, however Jill has her own unique quick stabbing attack. Keith also has his own unique two hitting attack with his own weapons. Parker in his Diver costume uses an axe which is stronger and has its own swinging animation. Rachael Ooze uses her arm instead of a knife.
Two DLC costumes are available for the port for Rachael and HUNK called "Rachael Ooze" and "Lady HUNK" respectively. Despite being costumes, they have their own melee attacks and voice clips.
|Mission to Unlock
|Jill Valentine
|Costume 1 - Diver
|"Chapter 1"
|Handgun Mastery
|Machine Gun Mastery
|Costume 2 - Beach
|"Level 5"
|Chris Redfield
| Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
| "Chapter 1"
| Shotgun Mastery
| Rifle Mastery
|Costume 2 - Diver
|"Level 30"
|Parker Luciani
|Costume 1 - Diver
|"Chapter 1"
|Handgun Mastery
|Shotgun Mastery
|Costume 2 - Beach
|"Level 20"
|Costume 3 - Vintage
|"Legendary Weapon"
|Keith Lumley
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"Chapter 2"
|Machine Gun Mastery
|CC Mastery
|Costume 2 - Home Base
|"50 Missions"
|Jessica Sherawat
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"Level 10"
|Machine Gun Mastery
|Rifle Mastery
|Costume 2 - Diver
|"TRENCH Cleared"
|Costume 3 - Vintage
|"Level 40"
|Quint Cetcham
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"100 Missions"
|Shotgun Mastery
|Grenade Mastery
|Costume 2 - Home Base
|"Level 50"
|Clive R. O'Brian
|Costume 1
|"ABYSS Cleared"
|Handgun Mastery
|Grenade Mastery
|Raymond Vester
|Costume 1
|"CHASM Cleared"
|Handgun Mastery
|Magnum Mastery
|Morgan Lansdale
|Costume 1
|"Ghost Ship 100 percent Cleared"
|Rifle Mastery
|Magnum Mastery
|Jack Norman
|Costume 1
|"Legendary Raider"
|Machine Gun Mastery
|Grenade Mastery
|Method of Unlocking
|Jill Valentine
|Costume 1 - Diver
|Handgun Mastery 3
|Machine Gun Mastery 3
|Costume 2 - Beach
|"Obtain a super rare weapon"
|Handgun Mastery 4
|Machine Gun Mastery 2
|Costume 3 - Pirate
|"Clear The Ghost Ship bonus stage"
|Handgun Mastery 2
|Machine Gun Mastery 2
|Shadow Dancer 1
|Chris Redfield
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|Shotgun Mastery 3
|Rifle Mastery 1 -
|Costume 2 - Diver
|"Reach player level 30"
|Shotgun Mastery 2
|Rifle Mastery 3
|Costume 3 - Sailor
|"Inflict 100,000 points of damage to an enemy in one hit"
|Shotgun Mastery 2
|Rifle Mastery 2
|Sailor Man
|Parker Luciani
|Costume 1 - Diver
|Shotgun Mastery 2
|Hard Hitter
|Costume 2 - Beach
|"Earn 10 bonuses"
|Handgun Mastery 3
|Shotgun Mastery 3
|Costume 3 - Vintage
|"Defeat 10,000 enemies"
|Handgun Mastery 2
|Shotgun Mastery 4
|Keith Lumley
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"Clear campaign Episodes 4 – 6"
|Machine Gun Mastery 2
|CC Mastery 2
|Costume 2 - Home Base
|"Clear all stages on Chasm difficulty with an S Rank"
|Machine Gun Mastery 1
|CC Mastery 3
|Costume 3 - Ninja
|"Reach player level 50"
|Machine Gun Mastery 1
|Hard Hitter
|Shadow Dancer 2
|Jessica Sherawat
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"Clear all stages on Chasm difficulty"
|Machine Gun Mastery 1
|Rifle Mastery 4
|Costume 2 - Diver
|"Clear all stages on Trench difficulty"
|Machine Gun Mastery 3
|Rifle Mastery 3
|Costume 3 - Vintage
|"Reach player level 40"
|Machine Gun Mastery 2
|Rifle Mastery 2
|Shadow Dancer 1
|Quint Cetcham
|Costume 1 - Snowy Mountain
|"Reach player level 5"
|Shotgun Mastery 1
|Grenade Mastery 2
|CC Mastery 1
|Costume 2 - Home Base
|"Obtain all super rare weapons"
|Shotgun Mastery 3
|Grenade Mastery 1
|Clive R. O'Brian
|Costume 1
|"Reach player level 20"
|Handgun Mastery 5
|Grenade Mastery 1
|Raymond Vester
|Costume 1
|"Reach player level 10"
|Handgun Mastery 1
|Magnum Mastery 3
|Morgan Lansdale
|Costume 1
|"Clear all stages on Trench difficulty with an S Rank"
|Rifle Mastery 3
|Magnum Mastery 2
|Jack Norman
|Costume 1
|"Clear all stages on Abyss difficulty"
|Rifle Mastery 2
|Grenade Mastery 1
|CC Mastery 1
|Rachael Foley
|Costume 1 - Diver
|"First Time Trinity Bonus"
|Shotgun Mastery 1
|Magnum Mastery 2
|Regeneration 1
|Costume 2 - Ooze Rachael
|CC Mastery 4
|Regeneration 2
|Costume 1 - Default
|"Clear all stages on Abyss difficulty with an S Rank"
|Machine Gun Mastery 4
|Magnum Mastery 1
|Shadow Dancer 2
|Costume 2 - Lady HUNK
|Magnum Mastery 4
Enemies in terms of type are identical to those found in the Campaign, so foes such as Ooze, Hunter, their Farfarello variants and Fenrir will be commonplace. Campaign Boss enemies, such as Rachael and Jack Norman, are also present in Raid Mode. Unique to Raid Mode however, are buffed enemies, who have specific abilities boosted higher than normal in order to provide the player with more challenge. These are identifiable by specific icons next to the enemy HP bar and changes to their model, and are as follows:
Raid Mode also features a unique enemy called the Aculeozzo. Only one appears in stages its present in and has very low health but incredibly high defense. Killing these will usually award the player with a weapon case. Some stages will also feature "Baby Draghignazzo" which are identical to regular ones but much smaller.
Named enemies can also be encountered in the 3DS version through a Streetpass mission called 'WANTED: user Lv. XX' which can be accessed in the Raid Mode section of the Mission menu. The mission's description tells the player a dying message along with the stage where he/she is located in along with a reward upon completing it. The mission has the player choosing the stage where the 'turned' player is and kill them. They can be distinguished by the names above their health bars. Also, when choosing a stage a crown can be seen besides it, indicating a named enemy will be present. Named enemies are also encountered in the HD Port and happens randomly. They will usually drop Weapon Case or Custom parts upon defeat. When selecting a stage with named enemies, it will be accompanied by an exclaimation mark.
Raid Mode features its own weapon system. During stages, you can find Weapon Cases which awards players with a random weapon at the end of the stage. Weapons can be bought in the store menu. In the ported version, players can obtains weapons via the Present Codes or spending RE points on Resident Evil.net.
The stats of weapons now depend on the weapon level. Weapons are found at levels close to the difficulty of the stage played and can be bought close to your Player Level. The higher the weapon level, the better its stats are. You can own multiples of the same weapon, but their stats might differ.
For example, in an early stage you may find a Level 4 Muramasa:
- Firepower: 2755
- Auto Fire: 0.75
- Capacity: 4
- Upgrade Slots: 5
And later, you may find the same gun at Level 13:
- Firepower: 6660
- Auto Fire: 0.97
- Capacity: 7
- Upgrade Slots: 6
It should be noted that you can not level up weapons along with your character; you can only find higher level weapons by going to higher level stages, or by purchasing them.
You will start Raid Mode with only a Level 1 M92F Handgun.
New weapons
Raid Mode adds new weapons not avalaible anywhere in Campaign mode. They are called "Legendary Weapons" in the 3DS but are called "Super Rare Weapons" in the Port verisons. The new weapons are:
- Muramasa - A large rifle covered entirely in a black and gold decoration.
- Pale Rider- A Python magnum with an impossibly long barrel.
- High-Roller - A golden A.K. 74.
- Drake - A double-barrel shotgun which is covered in scales.
In the 3DS version, there are two Missions associated with obtaining the Legendary Weapons, "Legendary Weapon" and "Legendary Raider" which is done by simply obtaining one of and then all of the weapons respectively. Both Missions unlock new Raid Mode characters. In the port, the two Awards are called "Legendary Find" and "Legends Are Made, Not Born" and are unlocked the same way but unlock different costumes than the 3DS version.
In the port versions, weapons can be found with special properties which indicates particular state changes for that weapon.
|Stat changes
|Short Range
|Has advanced short-range power and daze effcts.
|Firepower in close range combat is increased along with daze power.
|Long Range
|Provides scope assisted firing and has advanced long-range power.
|Weapons will enter scope mode when aiming and increases firepower in long range combat.
|Speed Shot
|Advanced rapid-fire and capacity.
|Increased firing rate along with capacity.
|Speed Load
|Advanced reload speed and capacity.
|Increased reload speed along with capacity.
|Easy Grip
|Physical and knife attacks are enhanced, as well as defense.
|Knife and physical attacks become powerful along with increased defense but weapons will have lower capacity than usual.
|Sonic Assist
|Hit-zone is wide. Daze and stopping power is strengthened.
|Easy to hit enemies. Daze and stopping power becomes powerful than usual.
|Steady Hand
|Ups critical hit and lowers recoil.
|Critical hit is increased while recoil is significantly lowered.
|Light Weight
|Its light weight makes it easier for the user to move, but it packs an equally light punch.
|The player moves at an increased speed, but the weapon's firepower is lower than usual.
|Sonic Assist+
|Hit-zone is wide, and piercing power is strengthened, but one custom parts slot is taken away.
|The equipped weapon can easily hit enemies and can pierce through more enemies but one custom part is taken away.
|Short Range+
|Has strengthened short-range power and rapid fire.
|Firepower in close combat is increased along with firing rate.
|Long Range+
|Has strengthened long-range power and ups critical hit.
|Firepower in long range combat is increased along with critical hit.
|The modifications are powerful, but movement becomes limited and recoil is increased.
|Every stats are increased, but player moves slowly along with increased recoil.
Rare weapons
In the port version, it is also possible to find Rare variants of each weapon. Rare weapons will have a different name and much better stats than its common same level counterparts. Rare weapons do not appear in the store and can not be found with tags.
Weapon List
|Rare name
|Shop rarity
|Machine Gun
|Machine Gun
|Lead Storm
|Machine Gun
|Machine Gun
|High Roller
|High Roller II
|Machine Gun
|L. Hawk
|Thunder Raptor
|Pale Rider
|Grim Reaper
|Rocket Launcher
|Rocket Launcher
|Always at shop
Raid Mode features its own shop menu where the player spends their BP or 3DS play coins. The cost of weapons depends on their level and the level of the weapons appear within a range close to your player level.
In the 3DS version, the shop will always feature 2 random weapons, one purchasable with BP and the other for 10 play coins, a rocket launcher for 20,000 BP, 3 random custom parts, two of which being purchasable with BP and the other for play coins, ammo, grenade, then herb replenishes, and then upgrades. Exiting and entering the shop will re-randomize the selection. Some items are more rare than others.
In the port version, as your level increases, the number of weapons in store also increases. Furthermore, the Rocket Launcher is also expensive compared to the 3DS.
Battle Points (BP)
Battle Points or BP are currency used to buy weapons, replenishes, consumables and such in the store. Battle Points can be acquired by completing each episodes in Campaign. It can also be acquired in Raid Mode and varies in value depending on how the player performs in-game. In the HD port, Battle Points has an appearance in a form of an emblem resembling that of Lost in Nightmare in Resident Evil 5. It is found hidden throughout each stage and can be collected or destroyed and varies within size along with the value.
Item replenishes will fully fill your item capacity for that item, (you do not have the option to buy a certain amount). The amount and type of item you are buying will cause the price to vary. i.e. if your capacity allows you to carry 20 more shotgun ammo, you can only have the option to pay the price of 20 ammo.
|Price per unit
|Fully charged handgun
|Fully replenishes Handgun Ammo
|Fully charged shotgun
|Fully replenishes Shotgun Ammo
|Fully charged machine gun
|Fully replenishes Machine Gun Ammo
|Fully charged rifle
|Fully replenishes Rifle Ammo
|Fully charged magnum
|Fully replenishes Magnum Ammo
|Fully charged grenade
|Fully replenishes Grenades
|Fully charged Decoy
|Fully replenishes B.O.W. Decoy
|Fully charged S grenade
|Fully replenishes Shock Grenade
|Fully charged P grenade
|Fully replenishes Pulse Grenades
|Fully charged herb
|Fully replenishes Green Herbs
In Raid Mode, you initially start the mode being able to carry 4 of each grenade type and herbs, 80 Handgun Ammo, 40 Shotgun Shells, 32 Rifle Ammo, 200 Machine Gun Ammo, and 24 Magnum Ammo, and store up to 12 weapons plus keep 3 in your load out. Weapons can be discarded to make room for other ones.
You are able to buy capacity upgrades from the shop after reaching a certain Player Level and buying the upgrades of the type that come before it.
|Item Name
|Available by Player Level
|Grenade Holder 1
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Grenade Holder 2
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Grenade Holder 3
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Decoy Holder 1
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by 50%
|Decoy Holder 2
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by
|Decoy Holder 3
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by
|Shock Grenade Holder 1
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by 50%
|Shock Grenade Holder 2
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by
|Shock Grenade Holder 3
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by
|Pulse Grenade Holder 1
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by 50%
|Pulse Grenade Holder 2
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by
|Pulse Grenade Holder 3
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by
|Herb Case 1
|Ups Green Herb capacity by 50%
|Herb Case 2
|Ups Green Herb capacity by
|Herb Case 3
|Ups Green Herb capacity by
|Additional Storage 1
|Additional Storage 2
|Additional Stage 3
|Item Name
|Available by Player Level
|Body Armor 1
|Reduce damage by 3%
|Body Armor 2
|Reduce damage by 6%
|Body Armor 2-A
|Reduce damage by 9%
|Buy Body Armor 2
|Body Armor 3
|Reduce damage by 12%
|Body Armor 3-A
|Reduce damage by 15%
|Buy Body Armor 3
|Body Armor 4
|Reduce damage by 18%
|Body Armor 4-A
|Reduce damage by 21%
|Buy Body Armor 4
|Grenade Holder 1
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Grenade Holder 2
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Grenade Holder 3
|Ups hand grenade capacity by 50%
|Decoy Holder 1
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by 50%
|Decoy Holder 2
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by
|Decoy Holder 3
|Ups B.O.W. Decoy capacity by
|Shock Grenade Holder 1
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by 50%
|Shock Grenade Holder 2
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by
|Shock Grenade Holder 3
|Ups Shock Grenade capacity by
|Pulse Grenade Holder 1
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by 50%
|Pulse Grenade Holder 2
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by
|Pulse Grenade Holder 3
|Ups Pulse Grenade capacity by
|Herb Case 1
|Ups Green Herb capacity by 50%
|Herb Case 2
|Ups Green Herb capacity by 50%
|Herb Case 3
|Ups Green Herb capacity by 50%
|Herb Case 4
|Ups Green Herb capacity by 50%
|Additional Storage 1
|Sets weapon storage grid to 12x3 (Default 12x2)
|Additional Storage 2
|Sets weapon storage grid to 12x4 (48)
|Buy Additional Storage 1
|Additional Storage 3
|Sets weapon storage grid to 12x5 (60)
|Buy Additional Storage 2
Boost items
"Boost items have been added to the store. They are very expensive, so start saving up your BP!"
In the port version, after clearing Trench difficulty Boost items become available in the store. These items permanently increase the stats of weapons and will add a plus sign and the number of upgrades it has to its name. i.e. a Government with two boost upgrades will be displayed as "Government +2". Boost items will stay in the store and be bought as many times as the player wishes.
|Upgrade value
|Firepower Boost A
|Fire for handgun is permanently increased.
|Firepower Boost B
|Fire for magnum is permanently increased.
|Firepower Boost C
|Fire for machine gun is permanently increased.
|Firepower Boost D
|Fire for shotgun is permanently increased.
|Firepower Boost E
|Fire for rifle is permanently increased.
|Fire Rate Boost A
|Firing rate for handgun is permanently increased.
|Fire Rate Boost B
|Firing rate for magnum is permanently increased.
|Fire Rate Boost C
|Firing rate for machine gun is permanently increased.
|Fire Rate Boost D
|Firing rate for shotgun is permanently increased.
|Fire Rate Boost E
|Firing rate for rifle is permanently increased.
|Capacity Boost A
|Capacity for handgun is permanently increased.
|Capacity Boost B
|Capacity for magnum is permanently increased.
|Capacity Boost C
|Capacity for machine gun is permanently increased.
|Capacity Boost D
|Capacity for shotgun is permanently increased.
|Capacity Boost E
|Capacity for rifle is permanently increased.
While playing in Co-op, the other player's name and health bar will be displayed above them. Normally a player name will be in white letters however, completing certain Missions/Awards will give the player the honor of having their name displayed in a different color.
|CHASM: All Cleared, S Rank
|Honor - Color 1
|TRENCH: All Cleared, S Rank
|Honor - Color 2
|ABYSS: All Cleared, S Rank
|Honor - Color 3
|Get 50 bonuses.
|Honor - Color 1
|Get 100 bonuses.
|Honor - Color 2
|Get 150 bonuses.
|Honor - Color 3
|Get 200 bonuses.
|Honor - Color 4
|Get 244 bonuses.
|Honor - Color 5
Resident Evil.net
A feature on Resident Evil.net called Present Codes awards players with extra weapons for Raid Mode in the ported versions by inputting a password revealed through various different sources by Capcom.
There is also a diorama figure of the Golden emblem which specifically comes from Raid Mode.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
No More Promises
I make no promises to ever update this blog again. Maybe I should actually swear that I will NEVER update again. Since I usually turn myself into a liar, that might actually cause some kind of amazing posting binge.
Here is a quick update.
I am now 23 weeks pregnant with a little girl we plan to name Mary Alice. I didn't cry this time when the cerclage was placed.
Bella is growing like a weed. She is now 11 months old. I hope one day she forgives me for the lack of information updated in her baby book! It seems like life is crazy. I feel so guilty for not getting more documented and more pictures taken. Now we're having another one and I wonder where I'll find the time. I might have to hire a sitter once a week just to update baby books and parent logs!
Jamie is doing better in school. He's finally reading some. We finished a speech evaluation today and his speech is actually fine. Now we're finally going to go to an audiologist. He starts physical therapy and occupational therapy next week.


text:
VANCOUVER — Welcome to Vancouver — free yoga for everyone!
Yogawear retailer Lululemon and yoga class operator YYoga announced Tuesday they will offer more than 1,200 free yoga classes to visitors and residents during the 2010 Olympics.
The classes will take place between Feb. 12 and Feb. 28 at six Metro Vancouver and Whistler YYoga locations, potentially accommodating more than 72,000 participants. A typical drop-in fee at YYoga ranges from $17 to $20.
"It's a cool way to show everyone what sets Vancouver apart from other cities," said Lululemon representative Jennifer Neziol.
Lululemon normally provides free yoga classes at its stores but the partnership with YYoga allows it to expand that offering on a much larger scale during the Olympics. The company invites anyone to join the free classes — including first-timers, avid yogis and elite athletes.
Lululemon, which is not an Olympic sponsor, drew the ire of the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee last months when it launched a new clothing line that tries to capitalize on the upcoming Games. Vanoc said the clothing line — "Cool Sporting Event That Takes Place in British Columbia Between 2009 & 2011 Edition" — clearly pushed the boundaries of the Olympic trademark.
Neziol said Lululemon will publicize the details of its free yoga initiative just before the Olympics begin and noted the company might launch other Games-time programs soon.
"You never know," she said.


text:
The true impact of the worst floods in two decades on wildlife now begins to emerge even as more rains threaten another floodIntroduction
The recent Assam floods have affected the state extensively. Various sources report that 27 districts of the state were affected, spread over 2809 villages. About 2.2 million people have been affected and about 254,935 hectares of standing crop land damaged. Recent rains have led to a rise in water levels again increasing the possibility of a repeat of the floods from last month.
Impact on Wildlife and Latest Flood Situation (as of July 18th)
During and after flood photos of a local school near KNP (left) and stilted forest camps in KNP (right).
All four photos © Soumen Dey / WWF-India
Kaziranga National Park (KNP): As declared by the State Forest Minister, 611 animals of KNP have died until July 14th that include 16 rhinos, 1 elephant, 517 hog deer, 11 swamp deer, 3 wild buffalos, 21 sambar, 32 wild boars, 5 porcupines, 2 hog badgers, 2 pythons and 1 fox. The numbers are expected to rise once the entire park dries and the forest staff can access the complete park.
The annual floods play an important role in rejuvenating the grasslands and wetlands of Kaziranga and Pobitora. In 1988 & 1998, during the complete flood season, 1023 and 652 deaths of wild animals were recorded in KNP.
At least two rhinos are confirmed to be poached outside KNP as they strayed out. One rhino (adult female) was poached in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary on 5th July.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Gogoi undertook an aerial survey of KNP and adjoining Majuli area on July 15th and later met with the KNP authorities and media at Bokakhat. Speaking to the media, he informed that there is high level discussion going on for exploring possibility of creating high underpasses at selected locations for safety of the animals crossing the highway. He also assured that Assam Govt will take up the security issue of the animals with the Karbi-Anglong council and initiate
appropriate steps. It is understood that the team from NTCA/MoEF has suggested the construction of an overpass on the National Highway section touching KNP.
However, the latest is that the water level is beginning to demonstrate a gradually rising trend again and the level in Nematighat (Jorhat) is about 1m above the Danger Level. If rains continue in the upper catchments of the Brahmaputra and its tributaries then in all likelihood there may be another round of high floods in KNP/Assam during the next 72 hours. The situation is not too good in the western part of the state as well and the water level in the Beki affecting Manas is also rising gradually since July 15th. Pobitora WLS, Burachapori WLS & Laokhowa WLS are all seeing gradual rise in water levels.
Although the present situation is still under control in Kaziranga, there are reports of a gradual rise in water level inside the park since the night of July 14th. Water has risen 2-2.5 feet at Tunikati & Pachim Bimoli Forest Camps, Bagori Range during this period. It is still about two feet below the highest level reached on 28-29 June this year in these camps. As on 168th July, water of Brahmaputra continues to rise and has already swamped 23 camps. If the water levels rise for another 24 hours then a repeat of the June 28-29 floods might occur.
A rhino carcass was recovered under Bagori range two days back and the cause was cited as 'natural'. Two poachers (said to be from the nieghbouring state of Manipur) were also apprehended from the same range. They had hidden their gun inside the park along with an axe and other weapons, which were also recovered.
All the Protected Areas (PAs) along the banks of the river Brahmaputra in Assam as well as Manas National Park are highly affected as the road and communication network has been damaged. This is expected to have an impact on the patrolling and monitoring of rhinos until the infrastructure of the protected areas is built up to pre-flood levels again.
WWF-India is engaging with the Assam Forest Department to assess the extent of damage that the various PAs of Assam have suffered and will extend the necessary support to beef up the monitoring and patrolling capabilities of the forest staff.
For further information:
Anupam Sarmah
Head, Assam Landscapes
E: firstname.lastname@example.com
Anil Cherukupalli
Senior Communications Officer
E: email@example.com


text:
Tina's driving lesson with Bob takes a terrible turn.
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BOB'S BURGERS, the 2014 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Animated Program, returns for a well-done seventh season. The critically acclaimed series has been nominated for 6 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Animated Program and Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (John Roberts).
A third-generation restaurateur, BOB (H. Jon Benjamin, FAMILY GUY, "Archer") runs Bob's Burgers with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves.
Even though business is slow, Bob gets to work with his family. His wife, LINDA (John Roberts, "The Christmas Tree," "Jackie & Debra"), supports Bob's dream through thick and thin (but truth be told, she's getting a little sick of the thin). Their eldest daughter, TINA (Dan Mintz, "Important Things with Demetri Martin," "The Andy Milonakis Show"), is a 13-year-old hopeless romantic with minimal social skills. Middle child GENE (Eugene Mirman, "Flight of the Conchords," "Aqua Teen Hunger Force") is an aspiring musician and a prankster who serves up more jokes than burgers. Their youngest, LOUISE (Kristen Schaal, "Flight of the Conchords," "Modern Family"), is the most enthusiastic about her dad's business, but an off-balance sense of humor and her elevated energy level make her somewhat of a liability in the kitchen.
In addition to Bob, the increasingly popular Belcher family includes his charming and musical wife, LINDA (John Roberts); their eldest and slightly awkward daughter, TINA (Dan Mintz); goofy and whimsical middle child, GENE (Eugene Mirman); and cunning and clever youngest daughter, LOUISE (Kristen Schaal).
Tina Has A Car Accident | Season 3 Ep. 7 | BOB'S BURGERS


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First comes love, and then comes marriage. But what's the cost of shared financial bliss? Salient question from TD Ameritrade, and one they (sort of) answer. With money a central factor in divorce, business is good for lawyers and certified divorce financial analysts, but few others.
A recent survey conducted by the clearing and custody firm revealed that the average couple discusses money less than two times a month and fights over money, on average, five times a year.
"With the median age for first-time marriages approaching 30, combining finances is not as simple as it once was," Carrie Braxdale, managing director of investor services at TD Ameritrade, notes in the report's release. "Couples are bringing more financial baggage into the relationship than ever before. They have 401(k)s, student loan debt, investments and even mortgages. So, it's more important than ever for couples to talk about their finances and work together to develop a plan."
The Dating Game
When it comes to choosing the perfect partner, personality (20%), character (18%) and looks (17%) topped the list. Things like money (5%) and potential earnings (3%) were less important.
However, the survey found that certain poor financial habits are undesirable in a potential partner. Lack of motivation to get ahead (66%), relying on parents for financial support (65%), having significant credit card debt (65%) and poor money management skills (64%) were the most common financial deal-breakers in selecting a potential mate.
The survey also revealed some financial trust and transparency issues among couples:
• Forty percent of respondents said they did not completely trust their partner to manage their combined finances
• More than one in three (38%) said they were only somewhat, slightly or not at all aware of their significant other's debts
• One-fifth (21%) said they sometimes hid their spending from their significant other
Wedding Bells
According to the survey, nearly 60% of couples are paying for their own wedding, at an average cost of $28,000 for Gen Y. What's more, that price tag doesn't include the honeymoon costs, which add another $3,400 on average. But these young couples think it's worth every penny—82% say they don't regret how much they spent on their wedding, and 89% don't regret what they paid for their honeymoon.
The Honeymoon's Over
Things like communication gaps and lack of budgeting can cause pain points for couples as they settle into married life. The survey found that 43% of couples admittedly don't follow a budget, and half of couples jointly share household financial responsibilities. Female respondents said they were more likely to tackle groceries (48% vs. 25% of men), day-to-day expenses (28% vs. 26% of men) and the household budget (40% vs. 28% of men). Meanwhile, male respondents are more often solely responsible for investing decisions (45% vs. 27% of women), retirement savings (39% vs. 25% of women) and tax returns (44% vs. 32% of women).
"While discussing money may not be the most romantic of gestures, it is important to not only have those financial discussions early in a relationship, but to continue having them throughout your marriage to help avoid financial surprises and minimize financial arguments," Braxdale continued.
Braxdale points out a few easy steps to get couples on the path to financial happiness:
1) Talk about your financial situation before you walk down the aisle.
2) Create a budget and talk about savings goals.
3) Understand the amount and type of debt each partner brings into the marriage, agree on the plans to pay it off, and know your credit scores.
4) Figure out how each partner manages money. You may be more frugal, but your partner may be more of a spender.
5) Understand your investments and discuss how to meet your long-term goals.
6) Don't leave it all to one partner. Joint participation in managing household finances is key.


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LETRA [Intro: MILF] OH! OH!
You are just what the doctor ordered Ooh, look at there!
I heard you was a pleaser, and baby – OH shit!
[Hook: Children] Man, not my mama; man, not my mama Man, not my mama; quit messin with my mama [Verse 1: Big Sean] Yup.. yup, uh, okay I love me some of yo mama, {OH} true that (true that) Don't call me daddy, only she can do that Ok, me and yo mama be fuc*** (yup), boy you don't know nothin' about that You seen her lookin all mad (mad), ain't it time for ya nap?
You wake up, I'm back (back), eating up all your snacks (hah) Don't ask for help with your math (stupid), ain't my fault, you can't add Don't be out here fake cryin, lyin (boi) Up in the keyhole straight spying, only knock the door if you're dyin I wish I could stay in here forever (I love it) You the only reason me and your mama ain't together (lil bitch) She's so much better than my old bitch Man, I love that old bitch, I do [MILF] OH! This feels so nice. OH shit!
[Interlude: Big Sean] No stress, no drama Her kids hatin, they know I fuc*** their mama [Hook] (2x) [Big Sean – over Hook] I love ya mama, I love ya mama, I love ya mama, yup I love ya mama, I love ya mama, I love ya mama…
[Verse 2: Big Sean] The way she bounce both cheekies, boy she freaky (freaky) Shoulda known she was kinky; when I walked inside the room And I seen her slinky (what the fuck), even made me use my pinky The way she teach me, it's just so dreamy Oh God, damn, man I cheat on tests, cheat on hoes, I cheat when I can (I do) I'm even cheating on my whip, I got a side Benz (I do) But she made me wanna cut off all my side friends (I love you, baby) A nigga be tryna chase her, take her, date rape her Stand out the daycare sit there and wait there – f***, I can't even trust the neighbors, damn (what you lookin at?) You niggas stick to your young hoes I got a freak that wash, dry, and fold clothes (That's right) Lil motherfuc*** (Yeah, that's right) [MILF] Ooh this great, big, enormous motherfuc***!
OH! Just let me, oh! Let me jockey this dick!
[Interlude] [Hook] (2x) [Big Sean – over Hook] [Verse 3: Nicki Minaj] I got my welfare check, smokin on that crack Hell yeah I'm unemployed, baby daddy down my back Now what you got for me Sean? I heard it's big and it's long I take my teeth out, suck it good, this where your dick belong Y-Y-Yeeeaah, do it like dat daddy Pump pump bump bump it in my ass-matic You ain't tell me you was big-boned {Mom, I'm hungry} Shut your mouth, you little bastards go on (All this ass is for you Seany.. can I call you Seany?) Sl-Sl-Sl-Sl-Slap me in my face with it, get a crack valve with that bass in it If I got weed then I'm lacing it, eat all this ass, quit tasting it nigga [Hook] (2x) [Verse 4: Juicy J] High as a motherfuc*** (trippy) Fuckin' e'rybody mama…
I got yo mama all in my line (line), bullets all in my 9 (9) Rollie tell the time, she ain't yours, she ain't mine Throw a hundred every time, I think my coupe just lost its mind (mind) Put yo mama on that trippy shit, sippin lean, snorting lines (she high) Overseas like "bonjour", last ten years I've been on tour And I still got that old money, I touch more green than a lawnmower With a ratchet bitch (bitch), you laid up (stupid ass) I'm on my tour bus fuc*** mamas getting paid up I take that bitch to my mansion (mansion) and a nigga can't pay her to leave (leave) Yo mama a great head doctor (groupie), with no PhD (groupie) My pockets stuffed with dough, I made it all in the streets I might just go to the club, and throw it all on a freak Yo mama, ratchet ass bitch [Outro: MILF] Baby, oooooh, can you feel what I feel? OH shit!
I hope you brought your boots and shoes, cuz motherfuc*** I'm gonna be here a while


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The Velvet Hammer: 4.11.18
Q: Our firm has torn down our workstation walls to create an open office environment. My colleagues and I are crammed together in a sea of desks, and I'm having difficulty getting my work done. Any hints on how to survive my new digs?
—Need an Open Office Survival Plan
A: Although employers tout these space-saving offices as a way to accelerate collaboration and creativity, for many like yourself, this chaotic layout plan makes concentrating on the job challenging at best. For those of you who are trapped in an open office without an escape plan, here are some tools to help you tune out and focus on the job. Try some noise-cancelling headphones that generate sound waves to effectively dull or even block ambient noise such as the copier or your delightful new tub-mate's apple chomping. Go green with some plants and make them your new buds in your open office. Plants not only will personalize your workspace, but they also may add a modicum of privacy (as well as boost air quality).
Perhaps you can convince HR to implement some new house rules that set quiet hours for staff to use for heads down work. In fact, some companies have people wear special caps when they do not want to be disturbed. Other preferable measures might include desktop flags, lights and signs to let co-workers know you are on a tight deadline. A couple of other thoughts: portable table dividers can convert shared spaces and carve out a semi-isolated cubicle, and hanging desk lamps can double as noise-dampening dividers.
For those of you unnerved by your work group members strolling behind you while editing sensitive documents, you easily can stick privacy filters on your computer screen, limiting visibility to nosey onlookers. However, if you need complete privacy to discuss a client matter or make a personal call, find a conference room with doors. Or, take your cell phone and find a place (even your car) where you can keep these respective conversations private. Some offices have created areas for quiet computer work and small enclosures for phone calls and quick meetings. Other offices have installed sound-insulated phone booths. These solutions have helped ease office tensions.
As open offices become the rule for more companies, hopefully people will learn to update their manners and acknowledge they are sharing space with others. Until then, remember Teddy Roosevelt's sage advice: "Speak softly and never forget your headphones."
P.S. Hopefully next year's office trend will be workstation walls and privacy.
If you have a question for Joan, send it to email@example.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.
Strictly Business: 3.11.20March 9th, 2020
Strictly Business: 4.24.19April 22nd, 2019
Strictly Business: 1.30.19January 30th, 2019
Strictly Business: 8.8.18August 3rd, 2018
Strictly Business: 7.11.18July 10th, 2018


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I wrote a piece about micro-copywriting earlier this year, and in my ignorance thought this was a new concept, and that I may even have coined the term.
Shows you what I know. It's a term that's been used for a number of years, and great examples have been collected already, e.g. this Flickr Microcopy Group (thanks to Doug Kessler for pointing to this).
As the last post was popular I thought I'd bring together some more examples. So here's a look at some micro-copy from the log-in error messages of four big players in the tech world.
These were easy to collect as I didn't have to remember my passwords. In the end I found that although this could be an area where it's not worth trifling with a user's frustration, there's still a lot to be improved upon.
And although looking at some of these fine-grained areas could be seen as the pedantry of a dilettante, I like to think of these little things as a microcosm of brand identity.
The 'definitely bad' – Microsoft
A tired story with Microsoft, the little details aren't done particularly well. In Hotmail below, the phrasing 'that Microsoft account doesn't exist' is just plain bad English.
Best not to refer to the Microsoft account if it doesn't exist, right? This could get very philosophical. If a tree doesn't exist, is it still a tree?
The point is, why not go with something along the lines of 'We can't find a Microsoft account with this email address. Please try again'?
Below this wording there's a link to 'get a new account' that's highlighted and may frustrate the user, who more often than not, won't want a new account, but just to get into their existing one.
The incorrect password error-message is just as silly. 'Be sure you're using the password for your Microsoft account'. In case you were ceaselessly bashing in your Amazon password…..
The 'form over function' – Twitter
Below you can see some creative copy from Twitter as it's 'suspicious' of my failed attempt to log in. 'We gotta check..are you human?'.
That's quite nice, and more creative than other examples, but unfortunately the captcha that's used is often on the barmy end of the unreadable captcha scale and even with an easy one, as above, Twitter wasn't letting me sign in.
Granted I was doing this on a day when Twitter had been flaky, but it goes to highlight the point that you can only be creative with your micro-copy if you know it's the cherry.
The 'can definitely be improved' – Facebook
'The email you entered does not belong to any account'. No hint of what human error could cause this and more importantly how Facebook can help.
Although this message is fit for purpose, it just about does the minimum, and signs off with the almost patronising (sigh along) 'Make sure that it is typed correctly'. Sounds like Q berating James Bond.
The 'we've got the chops to help' – Google
Google's error message is 'vanilla', but the rather humble question mark links to a brilliant and comprehensive help page (necessary with Google's handy suite of security options sometimes making it 'harder' to gain access).
'The troubleshooter will guide you through two to five questions, depending on the options you select'. Very nice. Then the options are laid out in first person – 'I forgot my password' etc. Again a simple touch that the other players sometimes forget.
Maybe Google could throw around a bit more of their nice-surprise branding here, but I think I'm beginning to realise that these areas are just about getting it 'right', not 'right-on', and Google is still leading the way.


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News & Notes: Game 65
Follow the Herd:
Listen to the Game Live: CLICK HERE!
Bisons Baseball Network: CLICK HERE!
Email the Broadcast Team: CLICK HERE!
Everything about the Herd: CLICK HERE!
Get to a Bisons Game: CLICK HERE!
TODAY'S GAME: Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons face the Syracuse Chiefs in the first game of a two-game series from Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd returns home from Syracuse after winning the three-games in two-day series over the Chiefs, 2-1. The Bisons have now won five of their last seven games, including back-to-back series victories.
vs. THE CHIEFS: The Herd has won two straight over Syracuse after the Chiefs won the first eight games of the season series. The last time the Chiefs were in Coca-Cola Field they picked up a four-game sweep over the Herd, April 24-27. Last night, the Bisons collected their 100th win over Syracuse since rejoining the IL in 1998 (most wins against any one team).
LEADING THE CHARGE: INF Mike Lamb was a perfect 4-4 at the plate last night to lead the Bisons past the Chiefs. Lamb had a triple, two runs scored and two RBI. With this effort, Lamb increased his hit streak to a personal season high of seven games. Lamb has hit (.440, 11-25) with three RBI and five runs since June 8. The stretch has raised his average 35 points to .219.
NIESE-LY DONE: RHP Jonathon Niese is coming off his best outing as a Bison. Niese allowed just two hits in 7.1 shutout innings to beat Durham last Friday, 1-0. Niese struck out seven batters in that outing. In his last two starts, Niese is 1-1 with a 1.35ERA with 11 strikeouts in 13.1 innings pitched.
DONE LIKE DESSENS: RHP Elmer Dessens has already collected six saves this month. The veteran has converted 11 straight save opportunities. Those 11 saves are tied for 4th most in the International League. On the year, opponents are hitting just .179 off Dessens with five extra-base hits in 117 at-bats.
UNHITTABLE: RHP Adam Bostick continues his dominance. The reliever has not allowed a hit in his six appearances with the Herd. Bostick has worked 6.2 innings out of the Bisons bullpen, striking out six and allowing just three walks.
ALL-STAR STAFF: The International League announced that Bisons Manager Ken Oberkfell has been added to the IL's coaching staff for the Triple-A All-Star game on July 15. Oberkfell will serve under Louisville Manager Rick Sweet. Oberkfell has 834 wins in his 13-year career as a minor league manager.


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OVPN is a proven and verified no-logs VPN provider. Prevent hackers, companies and governments from monitoring your online activities. Our strong physical security together with our solid software security allows us to guarantee a totally log-free VPN service.
has been encrypted through OVPN
We provide "easy-to-follow" guides showing you how to get started with OVPN no matter what device or operating system you are using.
OVPN uses the strongest encryption to ensure that your internet traffic is secure at all times.
We have also gone to great lengths to prevent logs from even temporarily being stored on our VPN servers.
We own all the hardware used to operate our services. The servers are safely locked in isolated rack cabinets that only authorized personel have access to.
All our VPN servers operate without any type of storing media. This means that the servers run without any hard drives, USB memories or CD-ROMs that could otherwise log and store information.
OVPN is the only VPN provider that offers this level of security.
Austria Australia Canada Switzerland Germany Denmark Spain Finland France Great Britain Japan Netherlands Norway Romania Sweden Singapore USA
Due to our high security requirements, we don't have servers in every place imaginable. We prioritize quality and security over quantity and marketing. As soon as we reach 60% of the capacity at a datacenter, we purchase and add more servers to handle the load.
We take security for our customers seriously. For this reason, we have bought an insurance that covers legal fees.
In the case of any third party demanding information about our customers, we are fully prepared to go to court and will do everything in our power to prevent anyone from getting access to customer information.
OVPN has never given any information about our customers to a third party.
We put no limitations on either speed or traffic usage. Our servers are located in separate datacenters to guarantee redundancy.
All datacenters are connected with an uplink of atleast 1 Gbit/s.
Now available for Chrome, Firefox, Vivaldi & Opera
Make sure you don't visit websites without being connected to OVPN.
Prevents your private IP address from being leaked.
Prevent companies from tracking and profiling you online.
OVPN is the transparent VPN provider.
Every month we publish a transparency report on our blog where we state the total traffic consumption, server uptime and any spikes in traffic for all our servers in order to prove that we never oversell our services.
OVPN guarantees that our VPN service is up and running 99.5% of the time. Server status is available in real time for everyone to see.
If we are unable to keep that promise, all active customers get additional subscription time as compensation.
Our customer support can help you with anything regarding installation, troubleshooting or any other questions you may have.
We aim to answer support tickets within a couple of hours. Support is provided via email or live chat.
Devices that connect to our standard service are assigned a shared IP address. The Public IPv4 add-on allocates a public IPv4 address to you instead.
All ports are open with Public IPv4, meaning you can access your device outside of your local network.
The Multihop add-on routes your traffic through two of our datacenters and encrypts your traffic an additional time.
Multihop drastically minimizes the risk of timing attacks, as the attacker has to surveil our datacenters in different countries at the same time.


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Crikey. Whenever I allocate memory off the heap and delete it in the destructor, my program crashes. A la:
Now if I comment all that code in the destructor out, the program starts and ends fine. No matter how I do it (no num_steps check , no if (ai) check, no ai = NULL, etc) it always crashes. And it does thise for other things too, not just classes but for basic types too. Anything allocated dynamically works, but deleting it and the whole shebang crashes.Code:num_steps = 2; ai = new aistep [num_steps]; /* .... */ enemy::~enemy () { if (ai) { if (num_steps > 1) delete[] ai; else delete ai; ai = NULL; } }
What am I doing wrong? Am I not supposed to delete stuff in the destructor? Is dynamically allocated memory deleted automatically in destructors? (I didn't think it was...)


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Available early 2020.....
Official Neel Trimaran Dealer.....
Call us now to arrange a sea trial... you won't be disappointed!
Joubert / Nivelt designed, the Neel 45 offers good navigation performances and a very nice single-deck interior (3 nice cabines / 2 bathrooms) during navigation and at anchor.
NEEL-TRIMARANS are the most innovative, and spacious trimarans in today's yachting market. They stem from a highly proven pedigree builder who has developed and launched the most successful cruising multihulls of all time. Founded and managed by Eric Bruneel, NEEL TRIMARANS are based in La Rochelle, the capital city of sailing in France. Three decades of navigation, innovation and ship building guided us to this ideal: the ultimate fast and easy to handle trimaran. A trimaran designed by NEEL has intrinsic qualities of safety, comfort and maritime behaviour. Unsinkable foam construction and proven transatlantic sailors – Innovative layouts place owner's suites and guest rooms on top of the bridge deck instead of in the hulls. The Neel Trimarans will also offer the well-known superior sailing characteristics of an offshore trimaran by letting you point closer and run faster. Joystick control allows 360 degree docking and make harbour manoeuvres easy.NEEL Trimarans are conceived for fast cruising.
With an average cruising speed of around 10 knots, over 200 nautical miles are easily achievable each 24 hours. Speeds from 15 to 18 knots are often reached when the breeze freshens. Weight centring is managed in order to limit pitching. The centre hull is rockered to facilitate tacking. Floats are of a stretched form to privilege directional stability and advancement of the centre of buoyancy as a function of sail loading. The rigging is directly derived from racing trimarans, thereby achieving full cruising speeds up to twice as fast as conventional cruising yachts. The sail surface area is generous with some 17m2 per tonne. The trimaran configuration also facilitates sustained speed under motor propulsion. The low prismatic coefficient of the central hull means drag is very weak. The side floats are only very lightly in contact with the surface of the water.Innovation, comfort
The trimarans NEEL 45 and NEEL 50 are completely liberated from the development pattern of existing cruising trimarans. NEEL has created a new aesthetic in naval architecture. The NEEL innovation is the integration of the two outriggers with the connecting platform into a unified living space which includes the bridge, a central galley, a magnificent panoramic lounge, three double cabins and two bathrooms. The proportions of the trimaran offer a generous roof area, guaranteeing internal volume. The entire volume of the central hull is devoted to systems – the engine, electronics, electrical wiring and plumbing, diesel and water tanks as well as long-term supplies storage. The large space available in the lazarette and the high headroom ensure easy access for maintenance of equipment and easy optional installation of generators, desalinators or air conditioning. The furniture comes in a choice of several contemporary materials. The floors are covered with ultra-resistant high-tech woven polyester which comes in a wide range of colours.Safety
The width of NEEL trimarans is an important factor for safety on the high seas because it is a guarantee of stability. The PVC foam sandwich construction and collision bulkheads guarantee that the craft is unsinkable. The fin of the central hull protects the engine block and rudder gear. The shallow draft allows you to navigate close to the shore and enjoy the most beautiful anchorages. The high average speed optimises navigation planning, according to weather conditions. The fractional rig (mainsail, solent, staysail) facilitates short-handed operation, notably for duo crews. All embedded systems, such as refrigeration, electrical and electronic installations, energy generation and storage, fittings and rigging all benefit from our twenty seven years of experience in boat building. NEEL trimarans are certified according to CE European standards by the French Institute for Nautical Certification and Standardisation (ICCN).
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Unit 11 The Boatyard Building
Swanwick Marina
Southampton, Hampshire SO31 1ZL
United Kingdom


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Alinde Herron
Primary tabs
M.A. Interior Design, San Francisco State University
B.A., California State Polytechnic University, SLO
Graduates Studies in Interior Design and Architecture, Oregon State University
Alinde Flaherty Herron joined Saddleback College as a full time instructor in the Fall of 2005 . Her responsibilities include instruction in a variety of coursework in the Interior Design Department, including: Rendering and Rapid Visualization, Illustration, Studio II, Fundamentals of Lighting, and Design and Color Theory.
Prior to joining Saddleback College full time, Alinde worked at Saddleback College and Mt. Sac as associate faculty in Interior Design. She also spent five years teaching various subjects at the Design Institute of San Diego..She has worked in the field of residential and commercial Interior Design and
also has her own consultation business.
In her spare time, Alinde enjoys playing tennis, golf, travel, theater and reading.
Honors and Awards
ASID Professional Education Award Recipient
NCIDQ Western Regional Jury Team Leader 2004 to present
Featured Designer, San Diego Downtown Home Tour
Professional Memberships
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC)
NCIDQ National Council for Interior Design Qualification


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Out of the margins and into the mainstream, but with visionary thinking elbowed out in favour of concentration on getting the product right, meeting demand and improving profits. This was the snapshot of the wind industry today that delegates took home with them from the annual European Wind Energy Conference and exhibition, held in Greece last month. "Never has the need for wind energy been stronger; energy is high on the political agenda," said conference chairman Ian Mays at the opening. He was the first of many speakers throughout the four day event to emphasize the opportunities for wind against a background of high fossil fuel prices and concerns for security of energy supplies. EWEC 2006 was held February 27 to March 2 in the marble halls of the Megaron Concert Hall and conference centre in Athens.
A video from the European Wind Energy Association's "No Fuel" advertising campaign made for an inspiring start to the conference, with its emphasis on wind's potential under the current fuel crisis. Wind energy technology has grown 100 times in the last two decades, said Europe's Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. Thanks to the support of governments, the cost of wind energy production has dropped by 80%, European companies supply 90% of the global wind market and wind energy is now competitive with traditional sources of electricity, he said. "But more can be done." The European Commission is debating a new target for renewables from 2007, he said. "The European parliament has already stated we should have a goal of 25% by 2020. My personal opinion is that this target is ambitious, right and can be achieved, and we should consider it."
European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) president Arthouros Zervos also highlighted the industry's leap forward. Three years ago at EWEC 2003 in Madrid he referred to wind as "coming of age," he reminded delegates. "Now the energy sector and decision-makers consider it to be a mainstream energy source." Europe now has over 40 GW of wind installed, with 60 GW worldwide. Ten years ago wind was practically ignored by utilities and big investors -- and even five years ago the perception was that it could only play a marginal role, he pointed out. "Today big energy players and investors are a major part of the wind industry." These include GE, Siemens, Areva, Shell, BP, EDF, Allianz, and Babcock & Brown.
More sophisticated
The change in attitude of wind's competitors and opponents has been more subtle, said Zervos. In the past wind was labelled an unreliable technology that could only play a marginal role. Today, it is called "intermittent," by detractors, who also claim it creates problems when introduced in large scale and threatens the safe operation of electricity grids, he said. "But this large scale integration of wind is already happening." In Denmark it satisfies 20% of demand, in Spain wind capacity exceeds that of nuclear and combined cycle gas, and in Germany the state of Schleswig-Holstein gets 30% of its power from wind.
The constraints on wind's penetration in the market are not technical, continued Zervos. They are regulatory, institutional and market-related. There is a need to deal with distortions and inefficiencies related to the structure of Europe's power market, he said. He pointed out that the European Commission identifies four key reasons for lack of success in achieving a competitive power market: lack of cross border transmission links, the dominance of existing integrated power companies, biased grid operators and low liquidity in wholesale power markets.
Turning to the "intermittency myth," Zervos stressed: "Wind is not intermittent. It is of variable output." And variability of electricity is nothing new: "It has been a feature of the system since the beginning." Both electricity supply and demand are variable, he said. "It is not important what one wind turbine does; it is not important what one wind farm does; it is important what all the wind farms are doing on the system." And the wind is always blowing somewhere.
But getting this message across is difficult, added EWEA's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christian Kjaer. "Our industry's problem is this question: What happens when the wind stops blowing?" he said. "The question is easy to ask; the answer is a lot more complicated."
chevron attack
Wind is a disruptive technology -- but not to the electricity system as some of its opponents claim, said Kjaer. Rather it is disruptive in the eyes of oil producers, such as Chevron, who see it as threatening the future of polluting fossil fuels. He found it "comforting" that Chevron felt it necessary to attack wind in its advertising campaigns. But if the wind industry wants to be large scale it needs to engage with the big players in the oil and gas sector, some of which have already embraced wind. To reach EWEA's 2020 target for wind of 180 GW installed meeting 13.4% of Europe's power, will require EUR 215 billion of investment. This equates to two years and nine months' worth of the combined annual profits of Exxon Mobil, Shell, BP and Chevron -- or three years of subsidies to the fossil fuel and nuclear sectors, he said. Kjaer was confident that at some point even Chevron will come on board; the question is, he said, quoting the oil giant's own slogan: "When will you join us?"
Warming to wind
Electricity utility umbrella body, Eurelectric, has warmed to wind over recent years, said the association's Gwyn Dolben. "We see it as playing a big part in energy portfolios in the future." However, he took issue with the view from EWEA and the Commission that institutional problems and "biased TSOs" (transmission system operators) are the major impediment to wind's progress. "If that was the case, the most competitive markets would have the most wind energy," he said. "In my view the reason that wind has developed in some countries rather than others is because of political support. Grid issues, planning issues and institutional problems come a long way behind that."
Nonetheless, progress is being made around Europe on unbundling of generation and transmission, as well as integration of wind into transmission systems, claimed Dolben. "It is important to realise that this is a process, not an event," he said. "As TSOs become more confident in managing wind, things will get better." He restated Eurelectric's preference for "market based" mechanisms for supporting renewables. "Feed-in systems do not exert competitive pressure and could result in problems in the market," he said of legislation requiring utilities to buy wind power fed into the grid at a fixed premium price. "We would like a move over time towards a European harmonised system [of support]."
"Eurelectric keeps calling on renewables to start competing across borders," said Kjaer. "We do want to compete but there is no competitive electricity market for us to compete in." EWEA is a strong supporter of a European liberalised power market with real competition, he said. "On paper this will be established in 2007, but success will be measured by how many people will have access to choosing their supplier."
It was clear several times during the conference that a number of delegates were aching to start the all too familiar European debate on the relative merits of mandating fixed premium prices contra mandating fixed quotas of renewables in the supply mix as the best way of structuring markets for green power. Kjaer was having none of it. "We tend to get into the same discussion: this system versus the other." EWEA agrees that in the end Europe should pursue a harmonised support system, he said, but it is too soon to implement. Meantime, he favours the Commission's approach of trying to encourage clusters of co-operation between countries with compatible support systems. "Let's have three or four years where we have cross border trading unilaterally," he said.
Meantime, EU member states still need to get their support systems right. In 25% of member states support is too low for renewables to take off, said Beatriz Yordi from the Energy Directorate at the European Commission. In another 25% there is enough support but grid and administrative barriers stand in the way. She warned that the Commission is preparing legal actions against those countries which are still defying the EU's Renewables Directive by not dealing with these obstacles.
The design of the electricity market is key to increasing take-up of renewables, said Yordi. "Truly independent TSOs and DSOs (distribution system operators) are essential for fair grid access and grid development," she said. "And we need higher interconnection capacity which can reduce the need for balancing power." These factors, along with better forecasting of wind plant output, shorter "gate closure" times for trading electricity and fairer balancing costs will ease wind's integration into power markets, she said. "The internal electricity market and support for renewables are not enemies any more."
View from the top
Lack of vision was a criticism from a number of delegates of the usually popular Chief Executive Officers' roundtable session. A line up of heads of mostly wind turbine manufacturers was challenged to comment on the state of the industry, upcoming markets, and their priorities. But with Ditlev Engel, CEO of Vestas, the world's number one wind turbine manufacturer, openly declining to actively engage in the debate, many complained about the lack of leadership. Engel, aware that every word he uttered would be weighed by stock market analysts in the run up to Vestas' much anticipated end-year report, said he was unable to comment on Vestas' behalf until after the release of the company's 2005 results on March 29. Although on the platform, he remained largely silent during the session.
With the huge rise in demand for wind turbines, driven by expanding markets in the US, China and India, the manufacturing capacity of the industry will be a limiting factor to growth this year and next, said Esteban Morras from the wind division of Spanish construction giant Acciona, which not only develops projects, but also operates them and manufactures its own brand of turbine. The unavailability of turbines was not necessarily healthy for the sector, he said. Manufacturers need to improve their products before hastening their growth. "We need to improve the product, we need to improve reliability, we need to improve profitability for shareholders," stressed Morras.
Manufacturers should be concentrating their research and development on better technology rather than developing new machines, he said. Unreliable technology is the most significant problem facing the industry. "The most holy word in our sector is prototype," said Morras. "But with every new prototype there are lots of problems." His company has undertaken 30,000 retrofits so far on the fleet of 3500 turbines it operates; an illustration that reliability is more important than changing models every year, he said.
Per Hornung Pedersen of Suzlon agreed. "It is more important that we develop reliable products rather than making them bigger and bigger." He also pointed out that the industry needs reasonable profits to reflect the risks it is taking. "You cannot have an industry that runs on very low margins," he said, referring to the tough market in which wind turbine manufacturers have had to operate in past years.
Fritz Vahrenholt from Repower, on the other hand, said the industry had seen huge improvements. "We have learned our lessons. Compared with the 1990s there is a huge improvement in reliability and the technology. There is a march into professionalism," he said. With rises in fossil fuel prices, wind is becoming more competitive year-by-year. Indeed, Thomas Richterich from Nordex pointed out that in markets with fixed premium purchase prices for wind power, it is not unheard of for spot market prices for electricity to these days be higher than the so- called "premium" being paid for wind.
Meanwhile the change in the industry's profile is remarkable, said Vahrenholt. No longer are the majority of customers small-scale developers, but large groups like Allianz and GE Capital. He added: "They have different views on wind farms and we can foresee that the industry will be a main pillar of energy supply in Europe and also in the US and Asia." The move into wind of these large increasingly professional customers has brought more cash into the industry, pointed out Hornung Pedersen. "Three or four years ago there was an issue with lack of equity and funding. Today it is not so much of an issue; there is a lot of capital and investors," he said. "It has changed the whole industry. We are shifting gear. We are going into marketing now. We have been through the teenage stage and are becoming more mature."
Where they see growth
The CEOs see most of the growth in wind in Asia and America, but also in France, Portugal, UK, Italy and the emerging markets of the Baltic region and Eastern Europe. "We are no longer dependent on just two markets: Germany and Spain," said Vahrenholt. He believed that with increased pressure on President George Bush to take climate change seriously, it was inevitable that the US production tax credit (PTC) would be prolonged. "And the rumours are that it will be prolonged not just for two years but for five years," he said. Not all on the panel agreed with that view.
Nordex's Richterich foresaw the market for wind turbines changing completely over the next three years and becoming truly global, with Asia, America and Europe each accounting for around one-third of wind turbine installations. Manufacturers are facing a huge challenge as they set up local production and adapt their cost structures. "Also important is the internationalisation of the supply chain; in particular keeping quality up to European standards."
China will be the most important national market in future, but it may take a few years and will be a tough market for manufacturers, the CEOs agreed. "They need to install 50,000 MW of electricity capacity each year," pointed out Morras. But China needs to adopt a profitable renewables support system with a price that will attract investors -- and it needs to give project promoters freedom to look for the best sites for wind farms, he said, adding that the country must also improve its consenting process and legal tenure.
Views diverged on the subject of offshore wind. According to Richterich: "Offshore is a kind of myth in this industry. Until 2010 it will never have a significant stake." On the other hand, Morras argued that offshore is a big gamble, but a necessary one. "We want to be market leaders and must be involved offshore," he said. "We need to develop special technology and improve returns in the offshore sector." Vestas had made some investments in offshore in the past few years, and believes the sector will continue to develop, but not at the pace originally expected, said Engel. "We need to respect the lessons learned."
The main obstacle to offshore wind development is getting the power to the customer, said Vahrenholt. "In Germany it is a real disaster. If you build a coal fired power station, the grid is paid for by the grid owner, not the investor in the power station; that is not the case with a wind farm."
Green is not enough
Being clean and green is not enough; the industry needs to sell itself more vigorously, urged Aidan Cronin from Vestas. And it needs to understand and influence the different drivers and "stoppers" which impact the wind business, he added. The global energy sector is a mess, so all the more reason for pushing for a renewable energy policy. "Policy work is vital to our industry," he said, but it should not be thought of as marketing; it is a strategic tool to shape the future market. "If we do not have a proactive renewable energy policy strategy, less wind will be built in the future."
With a media-savvy anti-wind movement and the short term nature of politics influenced by negative press coverage, the industry must win the media war and at the same time sell a real world view of the current energy situation, Cronin warned. The job cannot just be left to others. "There is a lot of misinformation about the energy sector, so over time we have to sell wind; we have to inform about energy from its basics," he said. "We are not the answer to everything but we are the answer to a lot of things."
More research needed
The need for more investment in technology research and development (R&D) continues to challenge the industry, said Cronin. "We are building the largest rotating machines in the world and we have no technology left to borrow from other industries. We have to drive development and it is extremely important we invest in R&D at the European level and at a national level."
Wind's progress to date is a huge achievement considering that only 1% of all R&D funding in the OECD countries over the last three decades was channelled towards wind, compared to over 80% for fossil fuels and nuclear, said Britta Thomsen, a member of the European Union parliament and vice-chair of the European parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee.
The parliament is pushing for more funding for renewables under the EU's seventh research program, FP7, which runs from 2007. Since the 1980s, research funding for renewables has dwindled, she said. "Dramatically increased funding for renewables is essential -- at least on a par to that set aside for conventional technologies" She pointed out that the International Energy Agency (IEA) is calling for all energy R&D budgets to be restored to 1980 levels -- the time of the first oil crisis. "If this logic is followed across the board, it would mean nearly tripling current funding levels for renewable energy research."
Packed finance session
The huge investment potential in Europe's growing wind market was a message that came over loud and clear in a well attended finance session. Over EUR 5 billion of new projects are coming on stream this year alone, said Mark Henderson of Investec Bank in the UK. The industry needs more than EUR 1 billion of equity every year to build projects as well as additional capital to fund project development, he said.
Yet compared with other capital investments, wind is "quite a risky thing," according to Lars Kolte of Denmark's Export Credit Fund. Production of electricity from a wind power station can vary 30% from one year to another. "That is something that no bank would usually touch." The industry needs to attract new financing partners into the sector such as pension funds, he said. "My main plea is that we start thinking about who is going to finance this industry because otherwise it will not get off the ground."
Frank Trauboth from Envisory GmbH in Germany said wind is still, and will be for the foreseeable future, the "best in class" for equity finance among renewables. This is due to its proven technology, project size, the range of tools available to assess and finance projects, and the attractive risk/return profile. But institutional investors are not keen on projects below 20 MW or offshore wind, perceived as too risky. In Germany, with its myriad of small projects looking for new owners, the problem is not lack of debt finance, but a lack of willing equity, he warned.
Today some 95% of wind capacity is project financed, said Trauboth, with the remainder being financed through export credit agencies, leasing, mezzanine finance, or bonds. Just five countries -- Germany, Spain, Denmark, UK and Italy -- account for 85% of the 40,000 MW worth of European projects and loans. "The next wave of interesting countries [for investors] in Europe are those five to eight countries just below the 1500 MW threshold of installed capacity," he said. Looking at trends for 2006-07, the internal rate of return (IRR) will dominate demand for projects -- particularly in safe haven countries such as Spain and Denmark, he predicted. The market will also see more warehousing, more portfolio deals with bundling of assets and refinancing, and project developers will act more as independent power producer players, rather than selling their projects on to investors.
Emerging markets
"Attitudes towards renewables are changing as we speak," said Peter Hobson from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), referring to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe where EU legislation and security of supply worries are driving interest in renewable energy. The EBRD is the largest investor in the emerging east European markets, said Hobson. He reported that wind markets are emerging in Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania and the Baltic states. "There is a strong advantage in the emerging markets for early movers," he said.


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ORIGINAL: Becoming Minimalist
by JOSHUA BECKER
"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart." – William Wordsworth
Over the course of my life, I've embraced a number of different hobbies: baseball cards, video games, tennis, art, just to name a few. But none of them have changed my life or brought me as much satisfaction as the act of blogging. In almost too many ways to count, it has truly changed me and the way I live my life.
In fact, so much so, that it has become a hobby I regularly recommend to my friends and encourage them to embrace. I started blogging as a personal tool to journal the changes that we were making as we began minimizing our possessions. But somewhere along the line, it became less about me writing the story and more about the story changing me. And while there are many articles written about why you should blog to grow your business or become an expert or make a whole bunch of money… the best recommendations are still found in the personal realization that blogging changes you – the writer.
Consider these 15 thoughts on how blogging will impact your life:
1. You'll become a better writer. At its core, writing is communication. It is about recording thoughts on paper and compelling others to agree with them. To that end, writing (just like every other form of communication that has ever existed) improves with practice. Blogging will not force you to become a better writer… it'll just happen as you do it. And becoming a better writer holds important benefits for the rest of your life – whether you are creating a book, a presentation, a résumé, or an anniversary card for your spouse.
2. You'll become a better thinker. Because the process of writing includes recording thoughts on paper, the blogging process encourages you to stop and think deeper. You will delve deeper into the matters of your life and the worldview that shapes them. Unfortunately, at this point, many will choose not to blog (or write at all) based on the faulty reasoning that they "have nothing to say." But to that line of thinking I always respond the same way… maybe you just haven't discovered yet what you have to say.
3. You'll live a more intentional life. Once you start writing about your life and the thoughts that shape it, you'll begin thinking more intentionally about who you are, who you are becoming, and whether you like what you see or not. And that just may be reason enough to get started.
4. You'll develop an eye for meaningful things. By necessity, blogging requires a filter. It's simply not possible to write about every event, every thought, and every happening in your life. Instead, blogging is a never-ending process of choosing to articulate the most meaningful events and the most important thoughts. This process of choice helps you develop an eye for meaningful things. And remember that sometimes the most meaningful things appear in the most mundane… but you'll see what I mean once you get started.
5. It'll lead to healthier life habits. Blogging requires time, devotion, commitment, and discipline. And just to be clear, those are all good things to embrace – they will help you get the most out of your days and life. Since beginning to blog, I have become an early riser, a runner, and can now properly identify my favorite drink at Starbuck's (Caramel Macchiato). And even if those three habits don't personally appeal to you, blogging will provide opportunity for new life habits to emerge in yours.
6. You'll meet new people. Whether it be through comments, e-mails, or social media, you may be surprised at how quickly you meet people on-line. And by meet people, I mean legitimately form relationships that seek to serve one another. The blogging community is friendly, encouraging, and genuinely cheering for you to succeed… the only thing missing is you.
7. You'll make some money. You don't need to make money to enjoy blogging. In fact, sometimes making money from your blog can actually start to distract you from the joy that you found in the first place. That being said, whether you make $20/year or $20,000/year, it's still pretty nice to have a hobby that actually pays you back.
8. You'll inspire others. Blogging not only changes your life, it also changes the life of the reader. And because blogs are free for the audience and open to the public, on many levels, it is an act of giving. It is a selfless act of service to invest your time, energy, and worldview into a piece of writing and then offer it free to anybody who wants to read it. Others will find inspiration in your writing… and that's a wonderful feeling.
9. You'll become more well-rounded in your mindset. After all, blogging is an exercise in give-and-take. One of the greatest differences between blogging and traditional publishing is the opportunity for readers to offer input. As the blog's writer, you introduce a topic that you feel is significant and meaningful. You take time to lay out a subject in the minds of your readers and offer your thoughts on the topic. Then, the readers get to respond. And often times, their responses in the comment section challenge us to take a new, fresh look at the very topic we thought was so important in the first place.
10. It's free. Your blog can begin today without spending a single penny now (or ever). I useWordPress and highly recommend it. With an initial investment of $0, why not give it a shot?
11. You'll become more comfortable being known. Blogging introduces yourself to the world. It causes you to articulate the life you live and the worldview behind the decisions that you make. Whether you have 1 reader or 10,000, the blogging process opens up your life to those on the outside. It is a good exercise in human-existence to be known by others. Over time, you'll reveal more and more of yourself to the outside world… and you'll be excited to find a world that relates to you and enjoys hearing your story.
12. It'll serve as a personal journal. Blogging serves many of the same roles as a personal journey. It trains us to be observant and gives weight to the personal growth that we are experiencing. It trains our minds to track life and articulate the changes we are experiencing. Your blog becomes a digital record of your life that is saved "in the cloud." As a result, it can never be lost, stolen, or destroyed in a fire.
13. You'll become more confident. Blogging will help you discover more confidence in your life. You will quickly realize that you do live an important life with a unique view and have something to offer others.
14. You'll find a platform to recommend. We all love to recommend something we have found enjoyable or beneficial – whether it be a nice restaurant, a good book, or a new outlook on life. The fullness of joy is not experienced until we have shared that joy with others. A blog provides an opportunity to do that very thing. It provides a platform to share the joy we have experienced and recommend good things we have discovered to others.
15. It's quite a rush with every positive comment. There's a certain little rush that accompanies the immediate positive feedback that you receive every time a reader posts a comment, shares your writing on Facebook, or tweets it out to their Twitter followers. While walking the fine line between finding encouragement in that feedback and obsessing over it may take some time to get used to, it's far better to find that line than to never seek it out in the first place.
Remember, you don't need to blog as a means to get rich or as a means to gather a huge following. You don't even need to blog as a means to change the Internet… the change that a blog will cause in your life is reason enough.
In response to this post, Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus have written an essay titled "How to Start a Blog Today" on their website. If you are interested in starting a blog for the first time, you will find the information to be quite useful and comprehensive.


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Scion recently launched its "United by Individuality" brand campaign, which reinvents the brand's distinctiveness by communicating several of its core philosophies - creativity, personalization, authenticity, and community.
The campaign also celebrates Scion owners as it demonstrates Scions as blank canvases for customization through unique treatments of actual owner vehicles in cinema, cable, print, online and out of home advertising.
Scion, a laboratory for experimentation, used the United by Individuality campaign as an opportunity to approach casting talent differently. Scion asked owners to submit images of their xA, xB, tC or xD, whether stock, or mildly to wildly customized. Scion then chose hundreds of these vehicles from more than 20 states to participate in its United by Individuality campaign.
"As owners and creativity are core elements of Scion, we wanted to generate an advertising campaign that integrated those aspects in an innovative way," said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. "We think the United by Individuality campaign will engage our owners as well as show others what the brand is about. I can't wait for owners to be surprised when they see their cars in their favorite magazines, on a billboard or at the movies."
While over 300 Scions were busy being stars at the photo shoot in the Nevada desert, more than 600 select owners and their guests enjoyed activities that embodied the brand - art, music, racing and tuning. Scion owners also valued meeting each other as the group often converges online, but rarely has the opportunity to meet other owners from across the nation in person.
This unique casting call allows the brand to demonstrate the endless and authentic personalization possibilities. As Scion owners are always the heart of the brand, owner vehicles are the focus of the United by Individuality campaign. The promotion will feature numerous combinations of individual and group vehicle images.
Scion also partnered with Tokion magazine to create a personalized September cover for subscribers and Scion owners who participated in the United event. The custom cover art will feature a Scion vehicle with the subscriber or owner's name printed on it. Inside, the magazine will have several creative executions including a poster shot of the vehicles used for the campaign.
"Word of mouth is so strong for us," said Hollis. "Yes, our vehicles are polarizing, but we are confident our United by Individuality campaign will spark positive conversation among Scion enthusiasts. Each vehicle in the campaign is so unique, owners will know who a vehicle belongs to or reach out to the Scion community to find out. Our owners are definitely united by individuality and we will continue to support them as they tell us what the brand needs to be."
Scion continues to use an unbundled approach for its marketing and advertising efforts, allowing it to work with the best specialized partners in the industry. Scion and its partners were able to create an advertising evolution with this campaign by blending Scion advertising, marketing, owners and product.
"We will maintain our course for adventurous and authentic marketing efforts," voiced Hollis. "We're Scion and that's what we do to stand out and engage consumers."
United by Individuality launched with cinema the week of July 21, and will follow with print, internet, and out of home placement. Spots on select cable programs will air by August 4. Interviews with select United event owners will also be featured in the winter/fall Scion magalog. Images of the event are also on Scion website.
Source: Infibeam.com
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